2012 Topps Prime Football Retail Rookie Card Variation Guide

Hobby and retail releases and configurations are a common part of the hobby. Usually, the two pack types mean a product that's roughly the same with inserts and odds being the biggest differences. However, 2012 Topps Prime Football has some big differences when it comes to the retail and hobby releases. The different odds and inserts are there, but that's not all. Retail cards are printed on thinner card stock. Finally, the difference that likely affects the greatest number of collectors can be found with the rookies.

2012 Topps Prime Football retail packs have variations for all 50 rookie cards. All of the rookie base cards use a different photo. This creates a greater chase for rookie collectors. Or an unnecessary annoyance, depending on your collecting preferences.

When shopping online for singles, it's tough to tell by the card stock. Few online sellers are differentiating between hobby and retail versions. That's why we've compiled the following visual guide. It features images for all of the 2012 Topps Prime retail rookie card variations. These are the ones you'll find in packs sold at places like Walmart and Target. Hobby cards have images not shown here.

Ryan Cracknell

E-Mail Author |
Ryan's collecting origins began with winter bike rides to the corner store, tossing a couple of quarters onto the counter and peddling home with a couple packs of O-Pee-Chee hockey in his pocket. Today, he continues to build sets, go after inserts with cool technologies, chase Montreal Expos and finish off his John Jaha master collection. Ryan can be found on Twitter @tradercracks and Google+.